Why I Would Treasure Your Prayers for 2017

I don’t think I’ve ever been so glad to put a year behind me and begin a brand new year full of fresh hopes and dreams. And I’ll tell you why.

For years I’ve believed in, written about and spoken about the promise found in Jeremiah 29:11, which says “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” It is a promise that has always given me comfort and hope about the past and the future, and the verse I’ve often referred to as my life’s theme verse. But little did I know that one day my life would take such a tragic turn, I would be forced to ask myself if I still believed with my whole heart that this promise was really true.

During the past year – which honestly has felt much like a disaster – my family and I have endured the most difficult, heartbreaking and horrific storm we’ve ever had to go through. Fifteen months ago, my husband of over twenty-five years decided to walk away from our marriage and our family. Throughout this trial, I have tried to wear a smile and stay positive, stand firm in my faith, live life as normally as possible, be strong for my children and continue in ministry. But I have to admit there have been times when the burden felt too heavy to bear and an overwhelming deluge of emotions seemed to be controlling my mind and my life. There have been days when I felt weak, inadequate and hopeless, despite leaning into God as hard as I could. It’s been beyond difficult to accept that mine nor my children’s lives will ever be the same, that the future I once thought was secure and all planned out is now so uncertain, in addition to the personal sorrow of being catapulted into the unwanted roles of single mom and single woman. I know I haven’t been as active on my blog and on social media as in years past, and I wish I could have shared sooner why that was. But it’s often hard to speak hope and truths into the hearts of others, when one’s own heart is so incredibly heartbroken and heavy.

I would have done anything in the world to avoid this happening. However, I’ve finally come to realize through a lot of prayer, faith, and emotional and spiritual healing, that sometimes, no matter how badly we want something, strive for it or pray for it, it may not work out the way we wanted or prayed for. All we can do when this happens is commit to trust God’s ways, even if we don’t understand them or like them, and believe He has an even better plan full of joy and happiness and blessing in store for us. And that is where I find myself today.

I loved my husband dearly, and have always prayed fervently for him and our marriage. Over the past year, I prayed endlessly for a change in his heart and mind, and even prayed for some type of miraculous restoration to occur if that was God’s will. However, at this point, it seems clear that restoration does not appear to be in God’s plan for us.

Even though I have solid legal and biblical grounds for divorce, this experience was one I never wanted to happen to my family and most certainly one I never wanted to talk about. Yet, here I am doing just that – through the courage of Christ alone – because this is surely the hardest blog post I’ve ever had to write. Had God not called me into ministry over eleven years ago, I would have never ever shared about this situation online, or talked about it to anyone outside of close friends and family, much less publicly. But since I am in public ministry and this painful adversity is now part of the story God is writing in my life, I felt I had no other choice than to share with transparency. There are times when ministry, faith, and obedience to God stretch us to the absolute limit – and friend, this is definitely one of those difficult stretching times for me.

I must confess, that sharing this raw emotional wound and deeply personal situation publicly sort of feels like standing in front of a huge firing squad with a blind fold on and then giving the signal to fire. But rather than live in fear of judgment or opinions from potentially well meaning people who don’t have a full understanding of our situation, or worry and fret over what certain people might think or say, I had to follow the nudging of the Holy Spirit and be humble and honest, while choosing to place my fears in God’s hands and trust He will protect mine and my children’s hearts.

The good news is that God has been incredibly, faithfully present throughout this storm. I began keeping a journal the day my husband left our home, and have written in it nearly every day, albeit more frequently at first. As I read back through my journal now, tears always come to my eyes. Not because my written words hold the power to pull me back into the depth of pain I was feeling on a particular day I wrote them, or even because I can see the personal and emotional progress I’ve made from then until now. But because I am visibly reminded of how God was at work in incredible ways over many, many months and how He has been my lifeline, even when I felt He wasn’t there. I can see tangible evidence of His speaking hope into my spirit every time I so desperately needed it and how He gave me strength on the hardest of days. I’m even reminded of a few miracles only He could have orchestrated, and special encounters when His voice was so clear. You see, not only did I record thoughts and feelings and situations in my journal, but also every instance of God’s tiny whispers and the many divine ways He spoke or intervened, big and small.

His obvious intervention in my life, along with the unconditional love, support, encouragement and prayers from beloved friends and family, are what have carried me this far. Admittedly my faith has felt weak at times, but I have now personally experienced how God is strongest when we are at our weakest. So today, despite it all, I can honestly say I do still wholeheartedly believe in the promise of Jeremiah 29:11. I truly believe God has a great plan and purpose for what we are going through and for my future, and I now have a white knuckled grip on that holy promise more than ever before. I also believe God has a plan for my husband’s life too and I will continue to pray for him. I ask that there be no negative or slanderous comments posted about him or our family situation, and if any are written, they will be deleted.

The year 2016 did hold a lot of heartache and losses, but as I look back over it, I realize it also held laughter, learning, strengthened friendships, family closeness, accomplishments, spiritual growth and many fun times with people I love and cherish. I’ve learned that if we look for something good, we can always find it, even when life is hard and our hearts are broken.

Although the happenings of 2017 are yet to be known and there are more storms brewing on the horizon which I’ll have to face and endure, I am choosing to be optimistic and believe God has a wonderful year ahead with exciting new opportunities, relationships, blessings and adventures in store. I am choosing to believe my story is still being written, and trust God will be with me during the journey.

Although my life looks differently now than I ever thought it would, I know full well I am still abundantly blessed in too many ways to count. I still have bad days from time to time, of course, but I have finally reached a point where I am able to feel joy and happiness and have unsinkable hope despite these circumstances – which in my opinion, serves as proof that God really is good, all the time.

I am so thankful to have this sisterhood of believers online, and it is an honor to worship the Lord with you and stand side by side in His kingdom. I ask for your grace, love and understanding with what I have shared. But most of all, I would like to ask for and would treasure your prayers for me and my family, and for all of our friends and family members on both sides who are impacted by this unfortunate change in our personal lives.

Hi Tracie. Even though I don’t know you personally or we’ve never met face to face, I’ve felt a heart connection with you through your honest writing and sharing of God’s love. Deep down, I had a feeling that you were going through something serious when you stopped posting regularly. I began praying then that God would help you through whatever it was. I will continue to pray for you and your family during this difficult time. Thank you for your honesty and transparency. I, too, believe that God can use every situation, no matter how difficult, for HIS GLORY. What the enemy meant for bad, God means for good! Continue to hold on to His promise. Be blessed!!

This is my first time on your blog. God brought me here to read this and be able to pray for you. I too lost my spouse of almost 25 years and understand so much of what you are going through. It has been 10 years now since he left. We have 5 children. God always has a plan. I too pray for my ex-husband and my genuine hope and prayer is that God will be with him and guide him back to what I know he was. I have remarried and have a loving husband. We all continue to heal. I want you to know, I am praying for you and your entire family. Thank you for sharing your story. Until someone walks in these shoes, they do not understand the total devastation and change in your life. The embarrassment has been overwhelming, but with God’s help I am walking through it daily still. Prayers for you!

It is shocking how similar our stories are- right now. I pray for you and your family because I know this pain, all too well. Jeremiah 29:11 has been my go to verse every, single, day. I pray for peace in your life and in your heart 🙏🏻

Life is tough and we never know what storm might come our way. We can’t pick and choose. Thank you for being so real and I’ll be praying for you and your family and your husband. God loves all of you so much and wants your Jeremiah scripture for all of you. If you get any bad posts that you have to delete, make sure you delete them from your heart as well. May the Holy Spirit protect your heart, soul and mind continually during this time.

Thank you for sharing your heart and your life so openly, so honestly, and with such grace and compassion! I know without a doubt every moment of 2016 felt like such a roller coaster ride for you~ but one that you never asked to get on, and one that you didn’t know how to get off. What I love about what you shared is that you are so careful to glorify God in EVEN this. Even when you didn’t hear His Voice. We all need that reminder… that even when we can’t hear Him, He’s still there, guiding our lives, and purposing our lives for a greater plan! I love that you place your trust in Him and not the circumstances you found yourself. And I love that you are requesting prayers for your entire family, including your husband!! What the enemy has meant to harm you and your family, God is using in mighty ways, because (if only in this one example) you will have your entire online community surrounding and lifting up you, your husband, and entire family in prayer!! Thank you again for sharing so openly and honestly how God is writing your story, and never once leaving your side! God bless you!! Love you dearly!!

Tracie
You are greatly loved and appreciated by me. God has used your writings in my life and I feel confident that He will continue to do so.
Although losing a spouse to cancer cannot compare to having one walk away, the wrenching of your heart just might compare. I had no control, but then neither did you. God has been incredibly faithful to me over the past three years as I have learned all those lessons of caring for myself when I thought my Knight would carry me. Forgiveness is key. We offer no demonstration of God’s love when we don’t begin to seek and to give forgiveness. The plan is different than we imagined but He didn’t imagine it, He created it. The steadfastness of the Lord is amazing. We are created to live under His wings. When we strive to do so, we are blessed with peace, focus, encouragement, trust, hope, joy, love…all the fruit. Praying for healing but also praying that your walk will demonstrate His faithfulness as well as yours to Him. God bless.

Tracie, your story touch my heart so much that I felt I needed to reply. I went through a similar situation but I walked away from God. I couldn’t understand how and why He would let this happen to me and my 3 year old son. So angry and hurt I stopped going to church and even praying. Then I met someone who helped me heal, guided me ever so gently into going to church and helped me to start forgiving (still working on that one day at a time). Fast forward to today and that someone and I have been married for over 21 years. We had two more children and he has been the best step dad anyone could ask for. The three year old ( who is 27 and getting married this spring) would tell you that. A song that I kept hearing during this time was “Unanswered Prayers” and it reminded me to thank God for not answering my prayers then, because he knew what was in the future. Praying for you and your family and for everyone who is touch by this situation going on in your life.

Dearest Tracie, I am lifting up prayers for you and your family. I went through the same painful situation as you a few years ago. I weathered those dark days clinging to the faith and hope in God’s plan for my life. Jeremiah 29:11 is my life verse too. Like you, I experienced God’s unfailing love, an abundance of support and His real presence in my life. God keeps showing up so faithfully as I strengthen my walk with Him. Thank you for sharing your journey, continued faith in God and His plans for good and not for disaster, to give us a future and a hope. Peace be with you.

Thank you for this courageous post. You will undoubtedly help more families than you can count by your story. Christian women often struggle more than anyone when they encounter these circumstances. We are taught to hold firm to our marriages and feel the sting of failure on so many levels when our marriages dissolve. While it takes two people to make a marriage work, it sometimes takes just one to dismantle it! Your husband made this terrible choice for both of you. Sharing your story will bring community to women who have never felt more alone. Bless you and your family as you navigate this difficult road. Thanking God that your faith will provide the strength you need to take each next step.

I see already (after reading previous comments) how God is using you and your story to help others and encourage them…my prayers are lifted to the Throne for you and your family – may He be your I AM and your All and more than Enough every hour of every day.
For My grace is sufficient for you…

Tracie, I’m so incredibly sorry for the storm you and your family have been weathering – my heart hurts for all you’ve endured. Thank you for your bravery in sharing so honestly and transparently. No judgment here from me, only love, grace, and compassion. Keeping you and your precious family in prayer. Much love to you.

Dearest Tracie, My heart hurts for the pain you must have gone through this last year. You have my prayers for you and your family. Please know that God is strong, loves you and will continue to guide you. His strength is greatest when ours is not. Your willingness to be open about your pain, I know, will help so many who follow your blog or read you on Proverbs 31. Thank you again for your openness.

Dearest Tracie,
I so know pain like this. However, this is not about me. I want to let you know that I feel sharing your story is incredibly brave of you! You are still doing God’s work in spite of your pain. Just like Paul, you are still sharing the gospel, and trust that God is working in the background for the good of all.
I pray that you find peace and healing always, especially in all that you are going through. Bless you for sharing and your ministry. I am so sorry this has happened to you and your family! God’s peace always.

Oh Traci, my heart is so heavy for you. What a horrendous ordeal. Please know that sharing leads to more prayer warriors praying over this situation and your sweet family. Also know that your words have already encouraged others. I pray God bless you in some way today as you share your raw heart.

Your blog today was a gift from GOD for me. On this day last year, I learned that my husband had been having an affair for the past 8 months. My world was totally turned upside down on the day and it still feels that way many days. My husband and I are trying to work to fix our marriage but I have to admit that some days it gets so hard that I just want to runaway from life. GOD is always there for me and he sees me through those dark days. It really tears at my heart to see how this has hurt my children, my family, and friendships. Each day brings a new battle to get through and I know one day I will awake and life won’t seem like such a battle. GOD sees me through the battles and I know that he has a plan for me.

And today, I was feeling like I had a dark cloud over my head but after reading your blog I feel better. I feel that GOD sent your blog to me today of all day to help me get through this day. Thank you for your honesty today and I am praying for you and your family because GOD does have a beautiful plan for your life and for mine. Thank you, Tracie.

Hi Tracie! God bless you for being able to share your story, and please be encouraged that you are not alone, and that this will bring hope to others. I too had my husband walk out on our marriage & family, after less than 4 years. I too cried and prayed for it to be saved, and for my daughter to be raised in a whole family under one household. But that wasn’t the direction it went. My husband left for what he thought he wanted, only to have that not work out. But it eventually led him down a path to a new wife and more children, and drew him back into the church and away from the wrong path he was headed down. Eventually, he learned better how to be a father to our daughter and not just a good one to his sons. My daughter chose not to talk for a few years (diagnosed with selective mutism), but she came out of that with love and understanding surrounding her. And me? Well, I struggled and made some not so good choices in my sorrow, but God pulled me back to him where I learned to rest in his holy arms. It also made me a stronger woman, and made both my daughter & I more sensitive to other peoples struggles. As devastating as the failed marriage was, and hard being a single parent that worked 7 days a week away from home, God brought all of us closer to Him. He has lifted our eyes from ourselves, shown us grace and mercy and love, and showed us how to better parents, better spouses, better servants of God. I had opportunities to remarry over the last 24 years, but it wasn’t until the end of last year that the right person for me asked for my hand in marriage and promised to lead our home as God instructs. You already know God’s promises, and can see that they are indeed kept promises. I will tell you that yes, it does get better. And that sometimes we need the most devastating things to be redirected to do the work that God has planned for us. Continue to pray for your husband and your family. God is shaping all of you, through your circumstances, for great things! Much love & hugs to hugs.

Dearest Tracey thank you very much for sharing this season in your life and know that you’ve encouraged me to let go and let God where my marriage is concerned. I’ve been battling to save my marriage on my own without my husbands help and only in the past month has my prayer been Lord let your will be done in my life. After reading your post I felt peace in knowing that God is in control of everything no matter how much hurt, anger, disappointment and pain we feel. Jeremiah 29:11 I am holding onto

Tracie, I am so sorry you and your children are going through this. I am divorced and went through a time where I lost everything I held most dear … my marriage, my lovely home and belongings, all of my income, my friends, and, yes, even my family because they did not understand what was going on and I did not want to slander anyone. I chose to take the high road and I am so glad I did. I was at an age when many are planning to retire, I had $17 of my own money, had not worked outside my home for over 17 years, and had to restart my entire life … with no income whatsoever. But God is faithful! He kept reminding me of the time when a young woman in my church, whose husband was dying of cancer, sang a song that went something like, “When you come to the place that I’m all you’ve got, you’ll find I’m all you need.” Thank you for your courageous post. Because now the Lord is telling me to set sail from the safe, familiar shore I have been living on, to leave my toxic sales position, and to follow my true calling. The vision I have been given is that I am on a raft, in the middle of a turbulent ocean … but God Himself is pulling the raft with a rope that is forever tied to Him, and to me and my little raft. Your post was a direct message to me and encouraged me so much. When Jesus said to His disciples in the storm-tossed boat, before the storm began, “Come, let us go to the other side,” he meant just that. He had absolutely no plans to let them drown in the middle. And, yes, people may misunderstand and even say hurtful things, but His opinion is the only one that matters. Praying.

I can relate to your story in many ways. I can see God’s loving hand on my situation as you are also seeking to do. Never has the knowledge that God is always near been so soothing. I will be praying for you.

Like you I am going through the same thing. My husband of 38 years,who says he is a Christian,told me a few months ago that he has been having an affair with another man. He says he is gay and that he cannot change. I too begged God for a miracle. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to go through in my life. I am doing my best to trust God everyday.
Jeremiah 29:11 has always been my favorite verse too. I see now why God gave me that verse. I feel like Satan knows his days are short and he is attacking families now more than ever. I will be praying for you and I ask for your prayers also.

We are all here with you and for you, Tracie! When one member hurts, the whole Body hurts.

We cling to Jesus together, and heal together. This past year for many of us has been a year where everything that could be shaken was, and many of us are left entering 2017 standing on an ash heap. But Jesus promises beauty for ashes, and we must never cease to remind each other of this truth.

When I’m low in spirit I cry Lord lift me up
I want to go higher with Thee
But the Lord Knows I can’t live on a mountain
so He picked out a valley for me
Chorus
And He leads me beside still waters
somewhere in the valley below
And He draws me aside
to be tested and tried
in the valley He restoreth my soul

It’s dark as a dungeon
and the sun seldom shines
And I question Lord why must this be
Then He tells me there’s strength in my sorrow
and there’s victory in trials for me
Chorus
And He leads me beside still waters
somewhere in the valley below
And He draws me aside
to be tested and tried
in the valley He restoreth my soul

o sooner did I post this comment, then this song by Dottie Rambo came on the radio:

Holding you in prayer, Sister Tracie! It is scary when the plans you have change so drastically and painfully. But God knows the end from the beginning and holds you close while the storms rage around you.

Tracie ,
Thank you for being so open and honest with us about your life situation. Please know there is no judgment of you and your situation…lifting you and your family and all involved in prayer. God bless y’all in 2017 and keep you in the palm of his hand.

Praying for you Ms. Tracie. Thank you for your courage to share your story. It is not easy to be in the reality of it and to let alone share. Please take comfort that the Lord is with you through this storm. God bless you.

Tracie, I am praying God will continue to reveal his path for you as you journey this dark season and you continue to see the good. You are brave and courageous to share your most personal struggle. This kind of grief is hard but now you have others online to help hold you up.

Hi Tracie, Although I’ve never met you personally, your writings have changed my life. At a time when I doubted God’s love, your book Your Life Still Counts helped me heal. You won’t feel any judgment from me, only love and prayers. <3

I’m so sorry, Tracie. I’m a single mom as well when my husband died suddenly. I know some but certainly not all of what you’re going through as I’ve faced an uncertain future and fear with a broken heart while raising kids with broken hearts. God WILL take care of you. He is so faithful; I know you’ve seen that this year. I am praying for you and your children now, that you will continue to see all that God is doing in and for you despite the brutally hard. <3

Tracie, I am so sorry for what you have been going through. You are such an encouragement and inspiration even as you walk through this storm. Your faith is something I hope to have someday. You have helped me so much in my walk with Christ. My heart breaks for you, but I will be praying for your healing and for the good that God has in store for you. You are truly a blessing❤️🙏❤️🙏

I am praying for you Tracie!! I know what the sleepless nights and heavy heart is like… I also found God to be faithful even as things were falling apart. On good days, I could say that I was trusting Him, but on bad days (and there seemed to be many!) I just clung to Him and questioned what He was doing. Like you Jeremiah 29:11 was a verse that I turned to often as well as the verse that follows: 12 “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”.
Again, thanks for sharing your heart and I will be praying for you and your children.

I found myself praying for you several times over the last year. Although I did not know what was happening, I knew in the spirit. I tell you this so you can be confidently sure that God hears and sees and has rallied an invisible support system in your favor. His plans for you are for so much more good and are filled with so much more hope than you can ever imagine.

Tracie, I am so very sorry that you are having to go through this. My husband left me after 31years of marriage. I was fortunate that my girls were all grown and were out on their own. Like you, I was devastated. God was with me the whole time as He will be with you. I have now been married to the wonderful man that God sent to me for 16 years. Please know that God loves you and He knows the plans He has for you. Jeremiah 29:11 is my go to verse any time the battle begins. My one thing I can tell you, please do not blame yourself or consider yourself a failure. You are such an inspiration and a faithful servant of God. Stay strong. You and your family are in my prayers.

Thank you for sharing your story with so much grace! You have been such an inspiration in my life, and I am so inspired and touched by this post! Thank you for being the beautiful, Woman of God that you are! You, your husband, children, and extended family have been, and will continue to be in my prayers!

My husband and I met in high school, we were 15… married at 21, three kids, and 20 years later, almost exactly at our 40th birthdays, he decided he wasn’t happy and it was time for us all to be happy. Took him a year to file, and another 10 months to finalize. I sat and told our three beautiful kids by myself, how sorry I was this was now their reality.

I had been a stay at home Mom with my kids, working a little at their school. The paralyzing fear of figuring out how I was going to support myself and find a career at the age of 42, on top of the anger and grief my kids were going through, and my own broken heart was almost too much to bare.

God is faithful and I have fealt his presence over these past several years. I receive daily reminders that he is there, he sees, and he will carry us all through our storm. Lamentations 3:22-23, is my saving grace. It helps to recite it to myself several times a day, when I feel sad, angry, or anxious.

I am so very sorry, Tracie. I appreciate your transparency even though I cannot begin to imagine how difficult it was to do so. May Jesus hold you and your precious children close and grant you grace and strength as you walk this difficult road.

Tracie, as has been said, I’m so very sorry. Love your realness…we, I, need that in other women. Love that you’re letting God work in and through you, for your sake and for those watching and relating. Thanks… Your hard is helping many of us deal with ours. Probably more than you know. Thank you. Scares me how brokenness is how God works, but calming to know He’s there always and has purpose. Glad you’re praying for hubby…God can do so much more than we can ask, think, or imagine. Love that and trying to internalize that truth for myself. (((Hugs)))

Thank-you for your real and raw honesty. I am deeply sorry to hear of the ordeal you and your family have been through. I will pray for you and your family as you continue to lean on the LORD in this painful season.

Back when you mentioned writing a Monday blog which was something new and then it didn’t happen. God told me to cover you and your family in prayer. Having same names and read your book and study with similar history. You’ve allows been in prayer. Thank you for sharing as God will continue to bring more healing. Love your heart Tracie. God bless you. This happened to my mom and my younger sibling at home when my dad left but we did not know the Lord. And it took quiet awhile to learn to forgive my dad. God has used the Jeremiah 28:11 in something I’ve read every day since Saturday. {{{hugs}}} You have been missed!

Praying for God’s continuing blessing on you and your family. Having lived through experiences that definitely taught me God can take a bad situation and use it for His good, i pray this for you also. With love from a sister in Christ.

Thank you for your honesty. It really helped me with what I am going through. Knowing that other people have horrible days and its not just me giving up. Saying prayers for you and your family. Hugs and prayers.

Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty! You can’t know how many hearts you are touching in this heart wrenching post! I know there is someone who needs to read this so that they know they are not feeling all of these same feelings alone.

Tracie I hate to hear the pain you have been through but am thankful to see how God has brought you through this tragedy. I will pray for you and your family. I met you in 2012 at the She Speaks conference. You sat at our table as the Proverbs 31 representative.

Change in any form, is always challenging. change that wasn’t “planned” is veen more challenging. Praying that His grace will continue to keep you, hold you, and give you new eyes, ears, as He pours out “new” in you. He truly is a faithful God that we serve. Hugs to you, holding you in prayer, and your children too.

Tracie, lifting you up in prayer this morning. I’m so sorry I missed this post the other day so I’m so glad you linked it in your email this morning. I can’t imagine what these past days/year has been like, but I’m so in awe that God has led you to Unsinkable Faith and that you are sharing that faith with all of us through your God-given words!

Hugs. I have been controlled and paralyzed in the past by the approval of people that I have small inkling of empathy of what God is asking you to be for us. Only an inkling, but I will support you with sincere prayer.

I went through this same devastating, life-changing event when my son was just 1 1/2 years old. It broke my heart on so many levels. My life and emotions were a roller coaster ride for months. But just like you , God carried me through these most difficult of times and I’m confident He will continue to carry you , too. He gave me His strength when I definitely was not strong enough on my own to handle all these difficult decisions and emotions I was suddenly faced with. My life was suddenly upside down but my hope was secured in God and He literally carried me through those dark difficult days. So lean on Him and all the wonderful family and friends He has blessed you with. Let yourself feel whatever emotion you are suddenly facing. Let yourself Grieve the death of your marriage , the loss of the hopes and dreams you had for yourself, your husband , your children , your family. It’s hard but looking back , it helped me so much to grieve those losses and let my Heart and mind process it all in its own due time. Then, ( and this is very important 😊****), make NEW hopes and goals and dreams for you and your children and your “new” family. God will be there with each of you every step of the way as you continue on in your life story. Your story doesn’t end with this divorce. This is just one point in time …: one part of your whole life story. There is still a lot left to write !
My prayers and heartfelt thoughts are with you all during this time and in the days ahead.

Oh Tracie, I just can’t even begin to imagine. What truth in transparency, what hope in thenplans he has for you, what a release of any bitter root, what strength He is being allowed to shine through you! Thanks for being an example to so many and for persevering through the hard. Know that you are NOT alone and that He is holding you so close to his heart.

Tracie, you and your family are in my prayers and I would covet your prayers for my family as well. This past year my husband walked away from me, as well as our three grown daughters and six grandchildren. The ripple effect that it’s had on our family, as well as close friends, is overwhelming. But the love, support, prayers and blessings that we have experienced has overwhelmed us as well. Walking through the mourning process and trusting God to be provide my healing has been both challenging, but amazing at the same time. I’ve kept a list of all the blessings He’s provided along this journey and that has been such an encouragement when the enemy has tried to make me feel I couldn’t make it. I’m so sorry that you and your loved ones have had to experience this painful process. Thank you for sharing and allowing us to lift you up to our Lord. Anxious to also share in the blessings He most certainly will provide to each of you from this!

Thank you for your courageous honesty. It accelerates my desire to read your new book. It will certainly minister to many hearts. And how incredibly amazing that you were able to concentrate on writing during this tumultuous time.

Dear Tracie, I’m so, so sorry you had and have to walk this road. I’ve been a single mom close to 22 years now. I know without a shadow of a doubt: God is faithful! Always! He will get you through this. Sending you a hug & prayers from afar.

Oh Tracie. I am so sorry! I am so glad you are clinging to Jesus! He is your comfort. I know He will guide you for your next steps. I am praying with you. TY for your heart and being willing to share your story. May your experience help others going through the same thing.

Tracie,
On the day I read your post I had just used your information from the “Your Life Still Counts” book to help my class realize the importance of crafting their testimony. And I believe that as you shared so openly your struggle you were able to once again testify of God’s goodness and gain another avenue of reaching people with the hope of Christ. “Your Life Still Counts” despite what you have been through, and the impact is obvious in those who have commented & responded to your request for prayer. I know that it has not been without great difficulty, but God is bringing you through this stronger than before. I have not personally experienced what you have endured, but loss & suffering of any kind is a commonality which can bind us together. 2016 was a difficult time for our family, but was also a time when I relied on God perhaps more than I ever had before. and He was (is) so faithful!!!! It is not the way I would like to learn these lessons, but He is God & I am not. I do pray healing & His continued peace & guidance for you & your family in the days ahead.

Praying for you and your family! I went through a divorce almost 4 years ago. It has been the hardest thing I’ve ever been through, but by the grace of God, we’re making it. I pray that God comforts you at this time. 🙏

I so appreciate you sharing your story and being so open and transparent…this is exactly what I have prayed for. My story is somewhat different (but a very similar timeline) in that my husband did choose to return and we are working towards restoration but the pain of him making the choices that he did was something I wasn’t sure I could bear. God carried me and continues to do so… but one of the hardest things has been the feeling of loneliness. This is such a private issue that we have only chosen to share with some (not all) family and a handful of close friends. I want people to be able to share and speak of these things with out shame and judgement. That is my prayer and that someday I can be an encouragement to someone else going through the same thing. Your openness has encouraged me. God is so good. And He continues to work in my life To bring forgiveness and healing. I will pray for you and your family as well. Thank you again for sharing.

Tracie I don’t know if you remember me BUT a few years ago I was going through a very rough time with my son and I won a copy of your Stress Less Living Book! God was ALL over that situation too! He was with me through one of the worse storms and I HAD to trust Him during that time because everything was so out of control (or so it seemed!) He showed me how much He loved me during that time. I already knew He loved me BUT He showed me JOY during the storm! My storm is different than yours, but heart breaking and joy stealing AND He was faithful to help me through it! He is so good! So thank you for your prayers during my difficult time and know that I will be praying for you! God put a little hummingbird nest in my backyard to distract me from the storm and now He has me feeding my own personal little hummingbird out of my hand! I have had 3 sets of babies in the past 2 years and started photographing all my Hummingbirds in my backyard! God really showed off big this time for me! I pray He gives you some sweet little distraction during this heartbreaking time! Praying for you and your family that God will comfort you and give you His Peace!
Love,
Colette 😘

Thank you for being so honest. My storm is different as I am the daughter whose dad left after 42 years of marriage to my mom. Mom has Huntington’s disease(HD). It’s like having Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s & ALS at the same time. My older sister has HD. My younger sister & I both tested & will develop the disease also. When dad left, my younger sister had mom move in with her. It has been a heartbreaking journey & I try to pray for my dad but I feel like he has abandoned all of us. leaving all of us girls to deal with the disease on our own without him. It is a daily process of giving to God. Anyway, lifting you up in prayer Tracie. & all you ladies who are going through a storm right now.

I can just imagine the faith, tenacity, and trust it took and still takes daily to renew your mind and not allow the enemy to come in and steal or sabotage what God is doing in you and through you as you are walking with Him through this experience. I was abandoned 35 years ago when I was 4 months pregnant and God has completely restored and blessed my life. But even now, if I choose to open my mind to old thoughts and memories, I can too easily crack the door just enough to allow the enemy to come in and wreck havoc in areas that have long been healed and scarred over. Your story reminds me that it is a constant, every day of your life decision as to what you will believe and focus on. Proverbs 4:23 is a true today for me as it was all those years ago; “More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it.” I choose life and I pray that over you and your family!

Tracie, my prayers are with you and your family and all whose lives have been touched during this time. Our journey with God may be challenging and heartbreaking for a time, but He is with all of us… He is our Rock and Refuge! God bless!
Had one other thought to share… my second OBS was your SLL and that book and study changed my life! Thank you!

Dear Tracie, I have just read your blog and my heart goes out to you and all of your family. I am reminded of Rev. Charles Stanley and his plight a number of years ago. As much as he wanted to restore and reconcile, it was not in God’s plan. He had his critics as well as those who thought he should give up, but he knew that God wasn’t finished with His plan and purpose for him. I also would remind you of King David as he lost his infant son. For days he prayed, fasted and sat in his grief. When his son died and he realized that (his) prayer was not answered, he got up and began to move forward. You will continue with God’s help and those who love you lifting you up to do the same. We are looking forward to having you at Calvary Baptist Church this September, however, in the meantime know you are in our continued thoughts and prayers. let Isaiah 43:2 bring you peace and comfort, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” In Christian Love, Rev. Randy and Rose Martin Senior Pastor Calvary Baptist Church

Tracie, I join all these other sisters in saying I am so very sorry for this hurt and pain in your life. I just prayed for you and your family. I pray you will continue to hear from God, to see His comfort and guidance in big and small ways every day, and to continue to heal and go forth into His plans for you.
Yesterday I discovered a new Ellie Holcomb song, “You Love Me Best.” I can’t stop listening. After reading about your situation, I think it would minister to you. It is a beautiful song about how every other love pales in comparison to how God loves us. It’s on Youtube if you’d like to watch it.
God bless you and your family.
Lisa

I am so sorry for your heavy trial. I will be praying for you, your children, families on both sides and your ex-husband. May the Lord bless you in your new normal and may He grant you love,peace andjoy.

2016 was indeed a hard year for myself and family as well. Even though I wasn’t with my husband for as long as you were, (together 4 years, married 2) we separated in January of last year and I was left as a single mom with a 2 year old and a 2 month old. Hardest thing ever. I still prayed for him, prayed for restoration we did go through divorce and it was finalized in August. In October I was still praying for him, for God to bring him back and unfortunately he passed away that month. I don’t understand why things happened the way they did, why I was left as a single mother of 2 and one day I will have to explain to my daughters how their father tragically passed away. BUT I know that nothing happens without purpose, and that God has a greater plan for myself and my daughters. Everyday I think of him, I wonder what could’ve been, I look at families with a husband and wife and feel sad, BUT again I go back to my faith. God is real. The enemy tried to destroy my family, but that will not happen. Though my husband is gone, I will continue to move forward for my daughters, and I will teach them about Christ, because I know that yes God has a plan for us and a purpose!

Tracie,
Thank you for sharing your story. Marriage issues are never easy to talk about but so many of us deal with them. I am walking through a dark storm right now, but God has been so faithful. The verse He’s given me to cling to is the promise that He works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. He has a plan and purpose for all things, every single one. Even when we don’t see them or understand why, we can choose to trust that He is a good God who will fulfill His promises. I will pray for you during this time. I know God will use your story for His glory, I see it has already touched so many, including me.

I just read your Proverbs 31 Ministries email and hopped over to your blog to read about your new book. Then I saw this post. I am so sorry that you are going through a tough time right now. I pray that God will give you peace, comfort, grace and strength. I pray that everything will work out for the best for you and your family. God bless you.

Tracie, thank you so much for your honesty. I read your Proverbs 31 devotion this morning before even seeing this….your devotion hit straight to my heart, I read it twice and then to my husband. It is incredible how God is working through your pain to inspire others. It’s not wasted pain Tracie, and that is all we can ever hope for when going through a terrible storm. There are glimpses of Joy through this journey of yours, as well as a heaping helping of Joy waiting for you at the end of this story…I just know it! And I can’t wait to hear it! Thank you for your words of encouragement. Tinker

Thank you for sharing your story, it helps others to see that it is not only them who are struggling through very difficult time she in their lives. And sharing your strength will help others to find their own. Prayers and peace to you and your family 🙏 ❤

Tracie Miles is a Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and author who helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.